Immunizations/Vaccines

State law requires children to be immunized against certain diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations before attending a school. Parents and guardians meet this requirement by filling out and turning in a certificate of immunization status (CIS) form, showing their child has the required vaccinations (or that they have already had the illness and are now immune).

MMR Vaccine Exemption Law Change 2019

As of July 28, 2019, a new state law (House Bill 1638) removes the personal and philosophical option to exempt children from the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine required for school and child care attendance.

Children without a medical or religious exemption, current MMR vaccines, or proof of immunity will need two doses of MMR vaccine to be allowed to start school on September 4, 2019.

Because MMR vaccine doses must be administered at least a month apart, your child may be entered into school if they have paperwork showing at least one dose of MMR vaccine by the beginning of the school year. This will place your child under conditional status for up to 30 days, at which point you will need to provide records showing your child received the second dose of vaccine.

You can find more information at the WA Department of Health exemption law change web page, including FAQs: www.doh.wa.gov/mmrexemption

Vaccines

Is your adolescent protected from serious diseases?

Some baby immunizations do not last a lifetime and your child may need additional shots to stay protected and healthy. Doctors recommend Tdap, MCV, and HPV vaccines to protect your adolescent and teenage children.

Tdap: This vaccine prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis ("whooping cough"). Pertussis causes a cough that lasts for months and may make it hard to eat, drink, or breathe.

MCV: This vaccine prevents meningococcal disease, which is a serious infection that can lead to brain damage and death.

HPV: This vaccines prevents human papiloma virus, the main cause of cervical cancer.

Public health recommends that all children have a health check-up each year. For help finding a doctor or healthcare provider, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.